CRIME SCENE CLEANER SALARY:
$49K–$80K+ IN 2026
Complete breakdown of crime scene cleaner salary by experience, state, specialization, and company. Discover how biohazard remediation technicians earn $23/hour to $38/hour with verified data from Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, ZipRecruiter, and industry sources.
This crime scene cleaner salary guide synthesizes 2025-2026 data from multiple authoritative sources: ZipRecruiter ($49,142 average), Bureau of Labor Statistics ($43,900 median for hazardous materials workers), PayScale ($22.71/hour), Glassdoor ($62,430 at Crime Scene Steri-Clean), and industry reports. We reconcile these sources to provide the most comprehensive crime scene cleaner salary analysis available.
What is the Crime Scene Cleaner Salary in 2026?
The crime scene cleaner salary varies by source and region, but comprehensive 2026 analysis shows the average crime scene cleaner salary is approximately $49,142 per year ($23.63/hour). Here’s what different authoritative sources report for crime scene cleaner salary:
- ZipRecruiter: $49,142/year ($23.63/hr) – national average
- BLS: $43,900/year – median for hazardous materials removal workers
- PayScale: $22.71/hour ($47,237/year)
- Glassdoor: $62,430/year ($30/hr) at Crime Scene Steri-Clean
- Salary.com: $32,569/year ($16/hr) – lower estimate
- Industry reports: $46,000-$63,000 average range
For this guide, we use $49,142 as the baseline crime scene cleaner salary, as it represents ZipRecruiter’s comprehensive national dataset and falls in the middle of reported ranges.
Complete Crime Scene Cleaner Salary Breakdown 2026
Here’s what a crime scene cleaner salary of $49,142 looks like across every time period:
The crime scene cleaner salary range spans from $25,000 (bottom 10%, entry-level in low-cost states) to $80,000+ (top 10%, experienced supervisors with specializations). The typical range is $41,500 (25th percentile) to $56,500 (75th percentile) according to ZipRecruiter. Factors driving this 220%+ difference: experience level, geographic location, specialization (meth lab, decomposition, trauma), company type (independent vs corporate), and certifications (OSHA, TCST).
Crime Scene Cleaner Salary by Experience Level
Your crime scene cleaner salary grows significantly with experience. Based on PayScale and industry data:
| Experience Level | Years | Average Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-1 year | $30,000 – $38,000 | $14 – $18/hr |
| Early Career | 1-4 years | $38,000 – $48,000 | $18 – $23/hr |
| Mid-Career | 5-9 years | $48,000 – $60,000 | $23 – $29/hr |
| Experienced/Supervisor | 10+ years | $60,000 – $80,000+ | $29 – $38+/hr |
Key Insight: The crime scene cleaner salary grows approximately $42,000 (140%) from entry-level to experienced supervisor roles. The biggest salary jumps happen when you: (1) earn specialized certifications, (2) move into supervisory/lead tech roles, (3) start your own biohazard cleaning company.
Crime Scene Cleaner Salary by State 2026
Geographic location dramatically affects crime scene cleaner salary. Based on Housecall Pro and industry data, here are the highest and lowest-paying states:
🏆 Top 10 Highest-Paying States
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $55,000 – $65,000 | $26 – $31/hr |
| Oregon | $52,000 – $62,000 | $25 – $30/hr |
| Massachusetts | $51,000 – $61,000 | $25 – $29/hr |
| Vermont | $50,000 – $60,000 | $24 – $29/hr |
| New York | $49,000 – $58,000 | $24 – $28/hr |
| California | $48,000 – $60,000 | $23 – $29/hr |
⚠️ Lowest-Paying States
Several Southern and Southeastern states report median crime scene cleaner salary in the low-to-mid $40,000s due to lower costs of living:
- Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas: $35,000 – $42,000/year
- South Carolina, Louisiana: $38,000 – $45,000/year
- Kentucky, Tennessee: $40,000 – $47,000/year
While Washington offers the highest crime scene cleaner salary ($55K-$65K), it also has higher cost of living. However, Washington has no state income tax, meaning better take-home pay. States like Oregon and Massachusetts have high salaries but also high taxes and living costs. Always factor in after-tax income and housing costs when comparing offers. A $45K salary in Alabama may provide similar purchasing power to $55K in Massachusetts after adjustments.
Crime Scene Cleaner Salary by Specialization
Specialization significantly impacts crime scene cleaner salary. Here are the premium specializations:
| Specialization | Salary Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Meth Lab Remediation | $55,000 – $75,000 | +$10K-$20K |
| Decomposition/Unattended Death | $50,000 – $70,000 | +$5K-$15K |
| Hoarding Cleanup | $48,000 – $65,000 | +$3K-$10K |
| Infectious Disease Decontamination | $52,000 – $68,000 | +$7K-$12K |
| Tear Gas Removal | $50,000 – $66,000 | +$5K-$11K |
| General Crime Scene/Trauma | $45,000 – $55,000 | Baseline |
Meth lab remediation offers the highest crime scene cleaner salary premium at $55K-$75K annually ($26-$36/hour). This specialized work requires advanced training, specialized equipment, and strict EPA compliance. The work is dangerous (chemical exposure risks) but the premium compensation reflects these hazards. Many crime scene cleaners pursue meth lab certification after 2-3 years of general experience.
How Does Crime Scene Cleaner Salary Compare to Other Careers?
Wondering how the crime scene cleaner salary compares to other careers? Here’s the breakdown:
| Career | Average Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $154,475 | Master’s degree (7-10 years) |
| Dental Hygienist | $87,530 | Associate degree (2 years) |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | $75,000 – $95,000 | Certification (3-6 months) |
| Crime Scene Cleaner | $49,142 | HS diploma + certifications (weeks-months) |
| Janitor/General Cleaner | $32,280 | No formal education |
| Carpet Cleaner | $38,000 | On-the-job training |
Key Takeaway: The crime scene cleaner salary of $49,142 is significantly higher than general cleaning jobs ($32K-$38K) with relatively minimal education requirements. While it doesn’t match healthcare careers requiring years of education, it offers above-average pay for the skilled trades sector with minimal barrier to entry.
How to Become a Crime Scene Cleaner (Education & Certifications)
Becoming a crime scene cleaner requires minimal formal education but specific certifications to maximize your crime scene cleaner salary:
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
- Age: 18+ years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Physical fitness: Able to lift 50+ lbs, wear protective gear for hours
- Emotional resilience: Handle traumatic scenes professionally
- Clean background: Pass background check (varies by employer)
Step 2: Get Essential Certifications
Required:
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (29 CFR 1910.1030)
- HAZWOPER Training (40-hour or 24-hour course)
Highly Recommended (Increases Salary):
- Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) Certification
- Meth Lab Remediation Training
- Biohazard Cleanup Specialist Certification
- Hoarding Cleanup Certification
Step 3: Gain Experience
Most start as assistants or junior technicians ($14-$18/hour), then progress to lead technician ($23-$29/hour) and eventually supervisor ($29-$38+/hour) or business owner.
Time: 1-3 months for basic certifications. Cost: $200-$1,000 for all certifications. ROI: Starting crime scene cleaner salary of $30K-$38K with potential to reach $60K-$80K+ within 10 years makes this one of the best ROI career paths for those without college degrees. Minimal investment, solid middle-class income.
Crime Scene Cleaner Salary: Most Asked Questions 2026
READY TO START A CRIME SCENE CLEANING CAREER?
With an average crime scene cleaner salary of $49,142, minimal education requirements, strong job security, and potential to earn $80K+ with experience or business ownership, crime scene cleaning offers a solid middle-class income for those who can handle the work.
Hey there! I’m Kumar, the owner of DollarHire. Alongside working as an Executive SEO Specialist, I studied at a finance institute to strengthen my skills in finance and marketing.
